Patents Issued in October 2, 2007
  • Patent number: 7275399
    Abstract: A condensing apparatus of a washing and drying machine includes a casing that forms an accommodating space therein; a tub installed in the casing; an air duct of which one end is connected to the tub to thus introduce air into the tub; a blower fan that blows air along the air duct; and a heater that heats air of the air duct before being introduced into the tub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Young-Hwan Park, Kyung-Seop Hong, Choon-Myun Chung
  • Patent number: 7275400
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for treating, refreshing or cleaning fabric articles, especially articles of clothing, linen and drapery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: The Procter & Gamble Company
    Inventors: John Cort Severns, Frederick Anthony Hartman, James Charles Theophile Roger Burckett-St. Laurent, Anna Vadimovna Noyes, Arseni V. Radomyselski, Paul Amaat France, Jeffrey John Scheibel, Christiaan Arthur Jacques Kamiel Thoen, John Christopher Deak, Phillip Kyle Vinson, Nabil Yaqub Sakkab
  • Patent number: 7275401
    Abstract: The invention relates to a key switch with at least one turn-key switching position comprising a cylindrical lock adapted to perform a translation upon key authorization. The aim is to present a key switch being capable of allowing key hierarchies as well as the withdrawal of the key in particular switching positions. For this purpose the key switch also comprises a lock holder adapted to host the translation of a cylindrical lock in respect to the lock holder along a common rotational axis and the cylindrical lock being form-locking with the lock holder for rotations around the rotational axis. The user is able to employ the turning key movement for the selection of a switching position and an outward and inward linear translation of the key to lock or unlock a switching position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Rudolf Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 7275402
    Abstract: A lock, such as a mortise lock, for a door. The lock comprises a locking cylinder that can be inserted into a door leaf and a shaft having two sections, each section of the shaft having a handle at the end, preferably a rotary knob or a standard door handle and being actively interconnected by a coupling after recognition of an authorisation code. The lock can be used for various applications as a result of its construction design, with a standard locking cylinder in various doors and that it allows, a simple, reliable, low-energy actuation of the locking mechanism. To achieve this, the coupling (11) comprises at least two, preferably four or more rolling members (17) that are guided in recesses (18) of a second part (10) of a first section (5) of the shaft (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Burg-Waechter KG
    Inventors: Harald Lüling, Hermann-Josef Wüllner
  • Patent number: 7275403
    Abstract: A rain gutter roll forming machine wherein the final forming station has the exit drive rollers removed therefrom. The forming rollers for the lower front and back corners of the gutter are mounted for rotation about a single substantially horizontal axis and are supported by a camber adjustment plate. The camber adjustment plate is pivotable about a pivot point which is substantially within the plane of the bottom wall of the gutter. Accordingly, the relative pressures applied to the gutter by the corner forming rollers can be varied to compensate for longitudinal curvature of the gutter due to differential drag on the front and back gutter walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignees: Englert, Inc.
    Inventor: Bruce E. Meyer
  • Patent number: 7275404
    Abstract: An adjustable guide, includes two or more mechanisms each having a rotatable retaining element containing a retaining groove with a variable radius in its perimeter surface. The grooves form a guidance path to control the lateral, i.e. non-axial, motion of a long bar moving along a longitudinal axis during a production process. The diameter of the guidance path varies according to the variable radii of the grooves. The guidance path increases in size at a predetermined rate, from a point of origin to an end point on the retaining groove. Rotating the retaining elements causes the diameter of the retaining grooves to change so that the size of the guidance path can be changed to match the diameter of the bar being rolled, size of the guidance path can be changed to fit the diameter of a new bar rolled without having to exchange the guide for a different sized guide, reduce fiction between the bar and the guide, a media, such as compressed air, can be injected between the retaining elements via orifices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: OG Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Tzyy-Shuh Chang, Hsun-Hau Huang, Chang-Hung Lin
  • Patent number: 7275405
    Abstract: Rectilinear drawing machine for drawing material, especially bars, pipes or sections, with at least two movable drawing cars which are driven on a path, one run being assigned to each drawing car, and the runs can be fixed in a variable manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: BL Chemie GmbH & Co., KG
    Inventor: Rudolf Bültmann
  • Patent number: 7275406
    Abstract: A bending device includes a fixed mount having a chuck mechanism gripping a workpiece is attached thereon, and an articulated robot which moves a bending mechanism attached thereto. The articulated robot is provided with a plurality of swinging joints which perform swinging operation and a plurality of pivoting joints which perform pivoting operation. The workpiece is clamped between a bending die and a clamping die. The bending mechanism is moved by the articulated robot so that the workpiece is gripped by the chuck mechanism. At the same time, the chuck mechanism is moved by the articulated robot to bend the workpiece at a plurality of positions. After the bending, while the workpiece is clamped between the bending die and the claimping die, the gripping by the chuck mechanism is released. The bending mechanism is moved by the articulated robot so that the workpiece is discharged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Opton
    Inventor: Teruaki Yogo
  • Patent number: 7275407
    Abstract: A process for producing a hollow monoblock shaft from a pipe, the pipe initially having a constant diameter and a constant wall thickness, and the monoblock component including at least one area of its length being of a smaller outside diameter and a greater wall thickness than the constant diameter and constant wall thickness of the pipe. The process can be carried out simply and economically by the following process steps: selecting a pipe with a wall thickness which corresponds to the smallest wall thickness of the finished component, partial heating of at least one area of the pipe, axial upsetting the heated area of the pipe and radial forging the heated area of the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Muhr und Bender
    Inventors: Jochen Ginsberg, Thomas Muhr
  • Patent number: 7275408
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for simultaneously adjusting the gram load and radius geometry height of a head suspension by scanning a spring region of the head suspension with a laser beam. The incremental height difference between left and right legs of a spring region of the suspension may also be concurrently corrected. Apparatus and method for measuring the radius geometry height are provided by two or more non-contacting optical probes. A nitrogen atmosphere may be maintained in the region scanned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Hutchinson Technology Incorporated
    Inventors: Senthil Balasubramaniam, Trent A. Johnson, Derek J. Schanil, Roger W. Schmitz, Stephen P. Toperzer, Hryhory T. Koba, Timothy G. Rice, Paul E. Schwing, Blair M. Erickson, Mohamed Salah H. Khlif
  • Patent number: 7275409
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a heat pipe having an enlarged portion includes the steps of: preparing a hollow tubular material having a uniform outer diameter; forming the tubular material with an enlarged portion having a different or larger outer diameter by narrowing or enlarging the tubular material; arranging a capillary structure into the tubular material; filling a working fluid into the tubular material after sealing one end of the tubular material; sealing the end to form a heat pipe after performing a degassing operation; and pressing the enlarged portion obtained in the previous step to form a flattened enlarged portion on the heat pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Chaun-Choung Technology Corp.
    Inventors: Chung Wu, Meng-Cheng Huang, Tony Wang
  • Patent number: 7275410
    Abstract: A work transfer device employed in a multi-process press machine is provided with a drive unit formed of a servo motor, a cam shaft vertically provided so as to be rotatably driven by the drive unit, a cam mechanism formed of three cams including an X-axis feed cam that moves a feed bar provided with a work holding fitting for holding a work toward an X-axis direction, a Y-axis feed cam that moves the feed bar in parallel toward a Y-axis direction in parallel, and a Z-axis feed cam that moves the feed bar in parallel toward a Z-axis direction, a group of swing levers formed of three types of swing levers which are swingably operated in engagement with the corresponding cams that constitute the cam mechanism, and a link mechanism connected to each end portion of the swing levers such that the feed bar is linearly driven toward the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Takagi Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kunio Niigawa, Hideki Inoue
  • Patent number: 7275411
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing a test gas to a gas monitoring instrument having a window for admitting gas to a gas sensor therein, is formed from a mechanical adaptor open at a portion thereof and having walls adapted to the gas monitoring instrument such that the mechanical adaptor removably fits over the window to form a substantially gas tight chamber of predefined volume defined by the walls of the mechanical adaptor and the instrument, means disposed in the mechanical adaptor for receiving a vial of test gas and breaking a seal in the vial to admit the test gas to the chamber. The invention is also directed to a kit including the vial of test gas, and a method for testing a gas detection instrument utilizing the apparatus and a vial of test gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Industrial Scientific Corporation
    Inventor: Wenfeng Peng
  • Patent number: 7275412
    Abstract: The drop impact measuring system has i) a plurality of bimorph-type acceleration sensor containing a plurality of free vibrating sections each of which has individual draw-out electrodes; ii) a switch section for selecting output from the bimorph-type acceleration sensors; iii) an amplifying circuit for amplifying a signal applied via the switch section from the acceleration sensors; and iv) a logic circuit for logically evaluating the output from the amplifying circuit and controlling the switch section according to the result acquired from the logical evaluation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kazunari Nishihara, Hirofumi Tajika, Koji Nomura, Motoyuki Toji
  • Patent number: 7275413
    Abstract: A system for determining polarization of a gas comprises a container that contains the polarized gas. An oscillator circuit comprises an Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) coil that is positioned adjacent to the container. A pulse generator circuit is configured to generate an electrical pulse that may be transmitted to an optical cell through the NMR coil to excite the polarized gas responsive to a control processor. A Q-reduction circuit that is independent of the pulse generator circuit is configured to reduce oscillations in the oscillator circuit from the transmitted electrical pulse responsive to the control processor. A receive circuit is responsive to an electrical signal that is induced in the oscillator circuit due to the electromagnetic excitation of the polarized gas. The control processor is configured to determine the polarization of the gas based on the output signal of the receive circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Medi-Physics, Inc.
    Inventors: Zivko Djukic, Steve Kadlecek, John Nouls, Ian Nelson, Bastiaan Driehuys
  • Patent number: 7275414
    Abstract: A non-contact, extractive sampling system and method is provided for measuring the exhaust gas composition and fine particle composition of exhaust emissions of various types of vehicles under actual operating conditions. A portion (or sample) of an exhaust plume of a vehicle is pulled or extracted through an extraction sampling tube, via a vacuum pump, to a remote trace gas detection system where the concentration of one or more constituents present in the sample of exhaust plume may be measured. In this regard, the invention enables vehicle emissions measurements to be made at a location remote from roadway, rather than using known, “cross-path” remote emissions sensing systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Aerodyne Research Inc.
    Inventors: David Dodge Nelson, Jr., Scott Christopher Herndon, John Barry McManus, Mark Stuart Zahniser, Charles Eugene Kolb
  • Patent number: 7275415
    Abstract: A fluid conveyance apparatus having more than one particulate matter sensing probe situated at two or more locations on the apparatus. Signals from the probes from at least two locations may indicate particulate matter flowing within a fluid through the conveyance apparatus. The times between signals may be indicated the rate of movement of the particulate matter in the conveyance apparatus and also a flow rate and direction of the fluid. The sensing probe signals may be processed into control signals that may go to a flow control mechanism. An example application of the flow control mechanism may be for an exhaust gas recirculation system of an engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Michael L. Rhodes, Brian C. Krafthefer
  • Patent number: 7275416
    Abstract: A volumetric densiometer flask for determining the volumetric density of a solute includes: (a) a first bulbous portion in a lower end section of the flask; (b) a second bulbous portion in an upper end section of the flask, the second bulbous portion comprising an open mouth at its upper end; (c) a central neck comprising a central channel in open communication with the first bulbous portion at an upper end of the neck, and the second bulbous portion at an opposite, lower end of the neck; and (d) a removable stopper that is closely insertable into the mouth of the second bulbous portion, the mouth being correspondingly sized to a lower end of the stopper. Also included herein is a procedure for determining the volumetric density of a given sample using the volumetric densiometer flask.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Inventor: Stephan Howard Walker
  • Patent number: 7275417
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring and determining fuel vapor recovery performance is disclosed. The dispensing of liquid fuel into a tank by a conventional gas pump nozzle naturally displaces a mixture of air and fuel ullage vapor in the tank. These displaced vapors may be recovered at the dispensing point nozzle by a vapor recovery system. A properly functioning vapor recovery system recovers approximately one unit volume of vapor for every unit volume of dispensed liquid fuel. The ratio of recovered vapor to dispensed fuel is termed the A/L ratio, which should ideally be approximately equal to one (1). The A/L ratio, and thus the proper functioning of the vapor recovery system, may be determined by measuring liquid fuel flow and return vapor flow (using a vapor flow sensor) on a nozzle-by-nozzle basis. The disclosed methods and apparatus provide for the determination of A/L ratios for individual nozzles using a reduced number of vapor flow sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Veeder-Root Company
    Inventor: Robert P. Hart
  • Patent number: 7275418
    Abstract: The quantitative determination of two contaminants of a fluid is carried out in the following steps: detection of permittivity ? and viscosity v of the fluid; determination of the quantity of the first contaminant 11e on the basis of a difference between detected permittivity ?? and a first preset value 10e; estimation of viscosity 12n on the basis of the quantity of the first contaminant 11e; and determination of the quantity of the second contaminant on the basis of a difference between detected viscosity v and estimated viscosity 12n.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Markus Niemann, Monika Scherer
  • Patent number: 7275419
    Abstract: A rotational rheometer or viscometer has a measuring motor for driving a measuring shaft which carries a measuring system, particularly a measuring head supported by a shaft portion, which may be contacted with a substance to be examined. Measuring data are introduced into the calculation of the properties, particularly the viscosity, of the substance. The measuring system has a characteristic identification with data referring to its properties, such as the geometry, the type, and/or the construction of the measuring head. An encoder module enables contactless reading the information. The data transmission path between the measuring system and the uptake or receiver unit has at least one section where the data may be transmitted wirelessly or over an air transmission path or air main path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Anton Paar GmbH
    Inventor: Gerhard Raffer
  • Patent number: 7275420
    Abstract: A system that facilitates measurement, analysis, and automatic maintenance of fluid comprises a fluid, and a casing that includes a plurality of apertures is immersed in the fluid. The apertures are opened to permit the fluid to enter the casing and closed to confine a sample of the fluid within the casing. A sensing element within the casing measures at least one parameter of the sample of fluid confined within the casing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Rockwell Automation Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Frederick M. Discenzo
  • Patent number: 7275421
    Abstract: An apparatus 10 and method is provided that includes a spatial array of unsteady pressure sensors 15-18 placed at predetermined axial locations x1-xN disposed axially along a pipe 14 for measuring at least one parameter of a solid particle/fluid mixture 12 flowing in the pipe 14. The pressure sensors 15-18 provide acoustic pressure signals P1(t)-PN(t) to a signal processing unit 30 which determines the speed of sound amix(?) of the particle/fluid mixture 12 in the pipe 14 using acoustic spatial array signal processing techniques. The primary parameters to be measured include fluid/particle concentration, fluid/particle mixture volumetric flow, and particle size. Frequency based sound speed is determined utilizing a dispersion model to determine the parameters of interest. the calculating the at least one parameter uses an acoustic pressure to calculate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: CiDRA Corporation
    Inventors: Daniel L. Gysling, Douglas H. Loose
  • Patent number: 7275422
    Abstract: In each work process of the assembly work of a large rotating machine, an input terminal unit 101 displays measuring points necessary for measurements of radial and axial clearances between a rotor and a casing so as to provide workers with instructions. When workers measure the clearances at the instructed measuring points, the measured values will be supplied to the input terminal unit 101 so as to confirm whether the measured values are within design tolerances or not. In addition, when workers measure the clearances at the instructed measuring points, amounts of adjustment of the casing will be displayed so that the measurement results at the measuring positions will have an optimum positional relation with the designed values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shuji Holi, Yukiko Takasugi
  • Patent number: 7275423
    Abstract: An improved surface testing apparatus, such as a scratch test apparatus, allows accurate determination of the test speed, for example using one or more magnetic sensors. An example scratch test apparatus comprises an arm assembly, and an attached blade moving over the surface during the scratch test. A pair of spaced apart reed switches are provided proximate to the arm assembly, the reed switches being successively actuated by a magnetic portion of the arm asssembly as it moves during the scratch test.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Toyota Technical Center USA, Inc.
    Inventors: David L. Hicks, Michael J. Niel
  • Patent number: 7275424
    Abstract: A sensor has a die (with a working portion), a cap coupled with the die to at least partially cover the working portion, and a conductive pathway extending through the cap to the working portion. The pathway provides an electrical interface to the working portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Analog Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Lawrence E. Felton, Kieran P. Harncy, Carl M. Roberts
  • Patent number: 7275425
    Abstract: A method for checking at least three sensors which detect a measured quantity in the area of an internal combustion engine. A measure of the sensor signal of the particular sensor to be checked is compared to a reference signal which is obtained from at least one part of the sensor signals of the sensors to be checked. A sensor is recognized as defective on the basis of a comparison of the measure for the sensor signal with the reference signal. The reference signal is formed, for example, from a mean value of a measure of the sensor signals of at least one part of the sensors to be checked, the individual sensor signals being weighted using correction factors in forming the mean value. The sensors are temperature sensors or pressure sensors, for example, which may be situated in an intake area of the internal combustion engine, on the internal combustion engine itself, in an exhaust area, and/or in an exhaust gas treatment system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Rainer Buck, Andreas Kratter, Dirk Foerstner, Michael Walter, Juergen Sojka, Matthias Stegmaier
  • Patent number: 7275426
    Abstract: A control system for an internal combustion engine includes a virtual engine model which mathematically represents the states of the engine in real time, but which is programmed to provide the engine's states at least a fraction of an engine cycle (and preferably at least one-fourth of an engine cycle, i.e., one stroke) to several engine cycles in advance of the real engine. The mass flow entering and leaving the cylinder is modeled, allowing parameters such as the mass of air per cylinder (MAC) and residual exhaust gas to be computed, and thereafter used to generate engine control commands related to fuel injection (air/fuel ratio), spark advance, and so forth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventors: John L. Lahti, John J. Moskwa
  • Patent number: 7275427
    Abstract: A device for mounting electronic monitoring components to a tire includes a patch having a block mounted thereon and a mating monitoring package. The block includes opposing sides that mutually diverge to form a contour, for example, a dovetail profile, and the package includes a complementary channel for sliding onto the block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Michelin Recherche et Technique S.A.
    Inventor: Terry Martin
  • Patent number: 7275428
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for ensuring safe movement of a moving part. The movement of the moving part is guided along or about an axis (4; 42) and is limited by at least one stop (1; 20; 51). The device comprises means for recording the exceeding of a nominal force by a force exerted on the stop (1; 20; 51) by the moving part along or about the axis (4; 42). The invention is particularly applicable to angle-of-attack sensors used in aeronautics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Thales
    Inventor: Philippe Roberge
  • Patent number: 7275429
    Abstract: A conductance probe is provided for adapting in a device having a container for holding a fluid therein. The a conductance probe is installed therein for providing a conductance signal indicating whether it is in contact with the fluid. The conductance probe features a conductance probe cleaner having a temperature sensitive element arranged on a tip thereof that is responsive to a change in the temperature of the fluid, for wiping the conductance probe to keep deposits from building up thereon. The scope of the invention includes any and all bi-metal configurations using temperature changes to create probe cleaning. The device may be a boiler or other suitable device having a heating element for boiling water contained therein. The temperature sensitive element is arranged on a metal tip of the conductance probe so as to move axially when wiping the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises Inc.
    Inventors: John E. Branzell, Christopher J. Thomson
  • Patent number: 7275430
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for sensing different levels of liquids in their respective containers in a liquid-consuming and/or producing instrument system. According to a preferred embodiment, an elongated liquid-sensing probe having axially spaced electrodes adapted to sense liquid at multiple levels is arranged in each container of liquid. A controller, e.g. a suitably programmed microprocessor, operates to selectively poll different pairs of electrodes carried by the probe to determine whether or not the polled electrode pairs are immersed in the contained liquid. Preferably, the polling circuit comprises an electronically-controlled resistor that serves to normalize the level-sensing output signal for liquids of different bulk resistivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Beckman Coulter, Inc.
    Inventors: Marco Zuleta, William W. Li, Elgardo Echevarria, Tan Nguyen, Rongchang Xin
  • Patent number: 7275431
    Abstract: A method for object detection using vehicle-mounted sensors is provided, the sensing ranges of which sensors overlap at least partially. In this context, signals of at least two sensors having sensing ranges with essentially identical coverage, and additional signals of at least one additional sensor having a sensing range which only partially overlaps with the sensing ranges of the at least two sensors, are evaluated. An object is identified as relevant when it is detected by at least three of the sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Uwe Zimmermann, Achim Pruksch
  • Patent number: 7275432
    Abstract: An acceleration sensor includes a semiconductor substrate, a sensing element formed on the semiconductor substrate, a bonding frame made of polysilicon which is formed on the semiconductor substrate and surrounds the sensing element, and a glass cap which is bonded to a top surface of the bonding frame made of polysilicon to cover the sensing element above the sensing element while being spaced by a predetermined distance from the sensing element. The bonding frame made of polysilicon is not doped with any impurity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yasuo Yamaguchi
  • Patent number: 7275433
    Abstract: A micro-electro-mechanical sensor includes a microstructure having a mass which is movable with respect to a rest position, according to a predetermined degree of freedom, and a displacement-detecting device for detecting a displacement of the mass according to the predetermined degree of freedom. The displacement-detecting device includes a force feedback loop of a purely analog type, which supplies electrostatic forces tending to restore the mass to the rest position in response to a displacement of the mass according to the predetermined degree of freedom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventors: Carlo Caminada, Ernesto Lasalandra, Luciano Prandi
  • Patent number: 7275434
    Abstract: In order to implement two different sensitivities simultaneously in one component, in particular in an acceleration sensor having a substrate, at least one spring device, and at least one seismic mass, it is proposed that the spring device be designed for an intrinsically nonlinear behavior corresponding to a progressive spring characteristic curve, in which a greater acceleration is associated at least locally with a greater rigidity (spring constant).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Dirk Ullmann
  • Patent number: 7275435
    Abstract: A capacitance type semiconductor dynamic quantity sensor includes a beam-shaped movable electrode displaceable in a predetermined direction in response to application of a dynamic quantity to a support substrate, and beam-shaped fixed electrodes which are fixedly supported on the support substrate and disposed so that the side surface thereof faces a side surface of the movable electrode. The applied dynamic quantity is detected on the basis of variation of electric capacitance between the side surface of the movable electrode and the side surface of the fixed electrodes. Countermeasures are included to prevent sticking between the fixed electrodes and the movable electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: DENSO Corporation
    Inventor: Makiko Sugiura
  • Patent number: 7275436
    Abstract: A device for measuring thickness and/or rate of thickness increase of a film comprises at least one piezoelectric element, and first and second electrodes in contact with the piezoelectric element. A method of measuring thickness and/or rate of thickness increase of a film comprises applying a voltage across a piezoelectric element from a first electrode to a second electrode, thereby causing the piezoelectric element to vibrate, and measuring the rate of vibration of the piezoelectric element. Heat may be applied to the piezoelectric element. The piezoelectric element may be formed of quartz crystal, e.g., IT-cut or near-IT-cut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Tangidyne Corporation
    Inventor: Scott F Grimshaw
  • Patent number: 7275437
    Abstract: An acoustical cell for analysis of materials by measuring parameters of acoustical resonanace. The cell comprises a main frame and an electroacoustical transducer assembly. The main frame includes at least one interstice and has substatially parallel exterior surfaces that engage, in use, with walls to define a resonant cavity into which a specimen for analysis is placed in use. The electroacoustical transducer assembly is acoustically coupled to at least one of the walls and comprises at least one electroacoustical transducer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Ultrasonic Scientific Ltd.
    Inventor: Vitaly Bukin
  • Patent number: 7275438
    Abstract: In order to check a material web (12), in particular a film web, with regard to the correct arrangement of a tear-off strip (11) extending in the longitudinal direction of the material web (12), ultrasonic transmitters are used, specifically an ultrasonic transmitter (11) on the one hand and an ultrasonic receiver (19) on the other hand. The sensors are arranged on opposite sides of the material web (12) in such a way that, if appropriate, focused ultrasonic waves are aimed specifically at the region of the tear-off strip (11). If a tear-off strip (11) is missing, an appropriate signal is generated by the ultrasonic receiver (19).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Focke & Co. (GmbH & Co. KG)
    Inventors: Doris Focke, legal representative, Jürgen Focke, legal representative, Michael Czarnotta, Heinz Focke, deceased
  • Patent number: 7275439
    Abstract: Parametric ultrasonic measurements which characterize the structure of tissue, using information from an ultrasonic signal beyond amplitude information, are obtained by combining multiple ultrasonic signals acquired at different angles, thereby reducing the variance of the calculations. Such angular compounding may be applied to detecting scatterer size, spacing, density, and attenuation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
    Inventors: James A. Zagzebski, Tomy Varghese, Anthony L. Gerig
  • Patent number: 7275440
    Abstract: Ultrasound for use in chemical reactions is generated by an electromagnet formed from an ultrasound transducer whose central feature is a loop of magnetostrictive material wound with coils oriented to produce an oscillating magnetostrictive force when an oscillating voltage is applied. The oscillations in the transducer loop are transmitted to an ultrasonic horn that is immersed in a reaction medium where the ultrasonic vibrations are transmitted directly to the reaction mixture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Sulphco, Inc.
    Inventors: Rudolf W. Gunnerman, Charles I. Richman
  • Patent number: 7275441
    Abstract: A method for ultrasonically inspecting a generator field tooth for the detection, characterization and/or sizing of cracks thereat is disclosed. A monolithic piezoelectric transducer (MPT) productive of a test signal having a defined angle of refraction with respect to the tooth material is selected. The MPT is positioned at an outer surface of the tooth and oriented so as to direct the test signal to propagate through the tooth toward a load surface of the tooth where a butt joint of a set of wedges is disposed. The MPT is activated so as to test the load surface proximate the butt joint for cracks thereat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Edward Lee Bentzel
  • Patent number: 7275442
    Abstract: A method for ultrasonically inspecting a generator field tooth for the detection, characterization and/or sizing of cracks thereat is disclosed. An electromagnetic acoustic transducer (EMAT) productive of a test signal having a defined angle of refraction with respect to the tooth material is selected. The EMAT is positioned at an outer surface of the tooth absent a fluid couplant and oriented so as to direct the test signal to propagate through the tooth toward a load surface of the tooth where a butt joint of a set of wedges is disposed. The EMAT is activated so as to test the load surface proximate the butt joint for cracks thereat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventor: Edward Lee Bentzel
  • Patent number: 7275443
    Abstract: A pressure pickup, having a pressure chamber, which is located between a separating membrane and a platform. A pressure canal for hydraulic transmission of pressure to a measuring cell, includes, for dynamic overload protection, a Venturi throttle implemented by providing that the pressure canal has at least one segment whose flow cross section is variable. Such segment is preferably provided in the form of an annular canal. The flow cross section can be changed, for example, by an axial shifting of a conical inner wall relative to a complementary, conical outer wall, or by the deforming of an elastic inner or outer wall of the annular canal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Endress + Hauser GmbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Dannhauer, Dietfried Burczyk
  • Patent number: 7275444
    Abstract: A pressure header assembly has a closed front and back surface. The back surface has an aperture for accommodating a separate dual die pressure header. The dual die pressure header has an absolute and differential pressure sensor positioned thereon. A differential pressure port is located on a side surface of the pressure header assembly and is directed to a bore in the pressure header assembly. The bore contains an elongated tube which is positioned in the pressure header assembly and locked in place by means of a crush nut and locking nut assembly. One end of the tube is coupled to the differential pressure port, while the other end of the tube accommodates a differential pressure tube which is bent in an arcuate position and directed to the underside of the sensor of the differential sensor assembly mounted in the dual die pressure header.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Kulite Semiconductor Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony D. Kurtz, Scott Goodman
  • Patent number: 7275445
    Abstract: The modular measuring drive system can include a housing having a cavity and being sized and shaped to fit within a disk drive bay of a computer and a measuring device, disposed within the cavity of the housing, for providing a measurement value to the computer. The modular measuring drive system can also include a conduit having a first end, which provides an opening for fluid to pass, and a second end coupled to the measuring device, a data port coupled to the measuring device and configured to be coupled to the computer and a power supply port, coupled to the measuring device, capable of receiving power from a power supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc
    Inventor: Hans Peter Friedrichs
  • Patent number: 7275446
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for measuring the crushing strength of an abrasive, comprising particles, used in a lapping process. Embodiments include a crushing strength tester having a cup for holding the abrasive; a first motor for rotating the cup in a first direction; a piston having a face for rotatably fitting within the cup and contacting the abrasive; a second motor for rotating the piston in a second direction opposite the first direction; and a press for pressing the piston against the abrasive and crushing the particles while the first and second motors are rotating. An initial particle size distribution for the particles is determined, then the abrasive is subjected to a crushing force approximately equal to that of the lapping process using the crushing strength tester. A post-crushing particle size distribution for the particles is determined, and the initial and post-crushing particle size distributions are compared.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Engis Corporation
    Inventors: Ion Benea, Stephen Griffin, Ralph Doyle
  • Patent number: 7275447
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining an initial flow rate in a conduit is disclosed. A known change is made to the flow to be measured, resulting changes (or values corresponding to these changes), or relative changes in the flow to be measured are monitored and the initial flow in the conduit is calculated from the value of the known change and monitored changes. Devices to practice the method include catheters having one or two sensors and one or two sites for introducing the volume change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Transonic Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Nikolai M. Krivitski, Cornelis J. Drost
  • Patent number: 7275448
    Abstract: A mount for electrical leads to a vibration-type sensor and/or for coils on a vibration-type sensor. The mount includes at least one resilient first arm attached to a first sensing tube of the sensor and at least one resilient arm attached to a second sensing tube of the sensor. The two sensing tubes, which are caused to vibrate during operation of the sensor, form a double-tube arrangement having a longitudinal gravity line, which lies in an imaginary central plane extending between the two, preferably parallel, sensing tubes. The mount exhibits a first eigenmode of predeterminable mechanical resonance frequency, at which the first arm and the second arm oscillate pendularly essentially perpendicular to the central plane of the double-tube arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Endress + Hauser Flowtec AG
    Inventors: Ennio Bitto, Gerhard Eckert